Every year, particularly during the spring and summer, hundreds of young wild animals are unnecessarily picked up by the general public and referred to game wardens or wildlife rehabilitators for treatment and rearing.

The most commonly referred animals are baby birds and deer fawns. While most of these animals are picked up by well-meaning persons, it is important to realize that many such human-animal encounters are unnecessary and can even be detrimental to the wildlife concerned.

A recent study conducted by Texas rehabilitator Ann Connell found that, in some years, 40% or more of the deer fawns referred to her were not orphans or injured, but "kidnapped" from their mothers. Typically these incidents were well-meaning but misguided attempts to "save" seemingly abandoned fawns. Anecdotal data suggest that the situation for baby birds is similar or worse. These data indicate that such unnecessary referrals to rehabilitators are not only detrimental to the wildlife, but also disruptive and costly to wildlife rehabilitators during the time of year when they most need to concentrate limited resources on truly orphaned or injured wildlife.

The following information should help you to avoid handling or picking up baby animals unnecessarily, handle such animals in a way to minimize stress or trauma, and maximize the animal's chances of being successfully returned to the wild. Please share this information with other people in your community. Remember, a young animal's best chance for survival is with its natural parents who, better than anyone else, can ensure that it retains all of its natural faculties and behaviors for survival in the wild.

Because of the danger of disease transmission, any suspected orphan should be kept away from domestic pets. In addition, there is considerable risk to anyone handling a wild animal. Please see the Texas Department of Health's Zoonosis site at www.tdh.state.tx.us/zoonosis/ for information about diseases transmissible from animals to humans, particularly rabies.

Also, because young animals can inappropriately identify pets or people as their parents, they may lose their natural fear and become more vulnerable to predation or injury as they mature. These animals are referred to as "human imprints," a condition which is often irreversible, and may doom the animal in question to life in captivity or euthanasia. 

Any time you have an orphaned or injured wild animal, you must remember that the animal may be in pain or in shock. One sign of shock involves unusually docile behavior in what is otherwise a wild animal. Handlers should beware, as the animal may be temporarily stunned, especially if it was found on or near a road. All adult and most juvenile wild animals will attempt to defend themselves from perceived danger by whatever means are available to them. Birds of prey may bite or use their talons to "foot" a handler; herons and bitterns may thrust their beaks at the eyes of their would-be human saviors; and all mammals can scratch and bite. This is not the result of a vicious nature - it is merely an effort to keep themselves from being killed and eaten. It is also important to remember that unusually tame animals may be very sick. Never take chances when dealing with wild animals. If you find yourself temporarily caring for a wild animal in need of help, the best thing you can do for that animal is to keep it "warm, dark and quiet." You should not attempt to give it food or water unless directed to do so by someone qualified to determine the animal's condition. Young animals and birds can get fluid in their lungs and drown if you you don't know the proper techniques for giving them water. Never give cows' milk, as it will make most wild orphans sick and dehydrated. Likewise, birds of prey will sicken and die if fed a diet of hamburger or hot dogs. Baby songbirds, grackles, jays and crows need a protein diet and cannot digest bread. The best thing you can do for a stranded wild creature is to leave it in peace until you can get the advice of a wildlife rehabilitator. Veterinarians may also be able to give you assistance, although treating wildlife is not the same as treating domestic animals, so if your vet hasn't had experience or training dealing with wildlife, he or she may not be sure how to treat the animal you have found. Unnecessary handling of mammals or contact with human scents, including deodorants, perfumes, and detergents, should be avoided. Such scents may discourage the parent from accepting the animal back, particularly after excessive handling, or if the offspring has been kept from the parent or nest too long.

Finally if, after evaluating the situation, you determine that the animal is orphaned (or injured), refer the animal to a local licensed rehabilitator. Do not attempt to treat or raise the animal yourself. Remember, it is illegal to possess wildlife without the required state and federal permits. Until arrangements have been made to transfer the animal, it's best to place it in a pet carrier with a towel over it or in a sturdy cardboard box. You can put air-holes in the box, but keep them small so the animal remains in the dark as much as possible. Never put wild birds in wire cages, they injure themselves on the wire trying to escape. Wildlife rehabilitators are trained and experienced professionals, well-versed in the specific nutritional, behavioral, and environmental requirements of particular wildlife species. If an animal can not be returned to its parent, its next best chance for a successful return to the wild can be provided only by such highly skilled persons.

To contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area, go to the following list , or call your local game warden, or the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Wildlife Information Line at 1-800-792-1112.

To contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area, go to our new list of volunteer wildlife rehabilitators by county at www.tpwd.state.tx.us/nature/research/rehab, or call your local game warden, or the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Wildlife Information Line at 1-800-792-1112. In addition, you may contact Arlington Animal Services at 817-459-5898 for additional assistance.